AMDRAS Mediator Accreditation flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Minimum foundational training hours

Accredited mediator training is typically a minimum of 38 hours of structured instruction, usually delivered over about five days, and excludes separate assessment time.

Practical skills assessment

A live observed simulation in which the candidate mediates a dispute and is scored against a competency rubric by an accredited assessor, distinct from written theory testing.

Co-mediation hours

Hours accrued mediating jointly with an accredited mediator; these can count toward practical experience prerequisites when signed off by the supervising mediator.

Continuing professional development

Mandatory ongoing training hours required to maintain accreditation each cycle, with a specified portion typically allocated to ethics and reflective practice.

Recognition of prior learning

A process allowing experienced candidates to have some course hours credited, but it cannot waive the live practical skills assessment requirement.

Competency rubric

The scoring framework used in assessment, covering opening statement, agenda setting, reframing, emotion management, option generation, and agreement writing.

Simulated mediation practice

Supervised role-play mediations with feedback, counted separately from lecture hours in accredited course records and required before final assessment.

Core curriculum units

The standard syllabus: conflict theory, mediation models, communication and reframing, negotiation, ethics, and the legislation governing mediation practice.

Competency-based accreditation

Accreditation requires training, practical experience, assessment, and good standing to be satisfied at the same time; failing any one criterion blocks accreditation.

Evidence bundle

The standard application package: training certificate, signed experience log, assessment result, referee statements, and a current background or police check.

Accreditation renewal criteria

Renewal requires documented CPD hours, a minimum number of mediations conducted during the cycle, and a declaration of continuing good standing.

Accreditation tiers

Graded levels such as entry and advanced; progression requires a higher mediation count plus additional assessment or refereed practice evidence.

Grounds for revocation

Reasons accreditation may be refused or removed include dishonest application materials, relevant criminal conviction, professional misconduct findings, and failure to maintain CPD.

Complaints and discipline process

A parallel process investigating complaints against accredited mediators, with sanctions ranging from conditions on practice to suspension and removal from the register.

Assessor conflict of interest

Assessors must declare conflicts and generally cannot assess candidates they trained without disclosure, to preserve the integrity of the competency determination.

Insurance and association membership

Professional indemnity insurance and membership of a recognised association are commonly required adjuncts to accreditation, but they do not substitute for it.

Mediator impartiality

A core duty requiring the mediator to treat parties even-handedly and remain neutral as to outcome, with no personal stake in the settlement terms.

Opening statement contents

Must cover mediator role and neutrality, voluntariness, confidentiality and its limits, process structure, parties' settlement authority, and fees.

Confidentiality exceptions

Recognised limits include threats of serious harm, child abuse or neglect, court orders, and party-authorised disclosure; these must be disclosed to parties at the outset.

Violence and power screening

Mediators must screen for family violence, power imbalance, and capacity; where safety cannot be assured, refer to shuttle, supported, or non-mediation processes.

Caucus confidentiality

Separate sessions are confidential by default; information disclosed in caucus may be shared with the other party only with that party's consent.

No legal advice rule

The mediator does not advise on law, decide the outcome, or draft terms needing legal interpretation without directing parties to independent legal advice.

Recording the agreement

Settlement terms should be recorded in the parties' own words where possible, read back for accuracy, and signed; enforceability depends on the governing jurisdiction.

Written fee disclosure

Fees, cancellation terms, and the mediator's role in any later proceedings must be disclosed in writing before the mediation begins.

Registration versus accreditation

Accreditation is the substantive competency determination; registration is the administrative act of entering the accredited mediator on the public register.

Register contents

The public register typically records name, accreditation level, accreditation and renewal dates, languages, specialisations, and any conditions or sanctions in force.

Incomplete application handling

Applications missing evidence items are held rather than assessed and are returned if the required evidence is not supplied within the stated period.

Renewal is not automatic

Registrants must lodge a renewal application with CPD and practice evidence before expiry; late renewal may attract a fee or cause registration to lapse.

Lapsed registration effect

A lapsed registrant cannot hold out as an accredited mediator; reinstatement usually requires an application and may require re-assessment of competence.

Notification duties

Registrants must tell the registrar within a set period about changed contact details, criminal charges or convictions, and any professional disciplinary action.

Public register search

The register is searchable by the public so anyone can verify a mediator's current status, accreditation level, and any conditions attached to practice.

Non-payment of fees

Renewal fees are set per cycle and level; non-payment results in suspension or removal from the register until the outstanding fee is paid.